Integrated biological treatment and agricultural reuse of olive mill effluents with the concurrent recovery of energy sources

Objective

The olive pulp generated during the two-phase processing of the olive oil contains almost 80% (per dry weight) carbohydrates and thus it could be an ideal substrate for the production of energy in the form of ethanol, hydrogen and biogas (methane). Very limited research has been done so far on making value out of this waste. The proposed BIOTROLL project aims at studying the biological treatment of the olive pulp for the production of ethanol and hydrogen, the subsequent anaerobic treatment of the effluent with the simultaneous production of methane and the agricultural re-use of the final residue as soil improving agent and/or fertilizer. Optimisation of the whole process will take place regarding the optimal combination of the different treatment steps that would be most favourable from both the environmental and financial point of view.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Address

Prince Consort Road
SW7 2BY London
United Kingdom

Participants (4)

BIOCONTRACTORS A/S

Denmark

Address

65,Stakkeledet 27
2970 Hoersholm

ELEOURGIKI LIPASMATON - A. KARATHANASIS S.A.

Greece

Address

Industrial Area Of Lalamata
24100 Kalamata

UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA

Italy

Address

Via Filippo Re 6-8
40126 Bologna

University of Patras

Greece

Address

Caratheodory St. 1
26500 Patras